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SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR NAACP OFFICIALS, MINISTERS AND OTHER
COMMUNITY LEADERS ENCOURAGING BLACK VOTER TURNOUT
On November 8, citizens of the United States who are of voting age will exercise the strongest right
that they have — the right to vote. The black vote can make the difference in choosing public officials
in your city, county, state and at the national level who will be elected on Election Day.
Below are a few suggested talking points that NAACP officials, ministers and other community
leaders may consider in encouraging voter turnout among their congregation and constituency.
• If you are concerned about unemployment, minimum wage iaws, escalating health care ccst,
teenage pregnancy, child care laws, quality education, affordable housing, alcohol and drug abuse,
crime, and deteriorating family life and vaiues — then Vote, Be Heard on Election Day and cast your
ballot for the candidate you think is best concerned about your concerns.
• Not to vote would be an insult to the memory of W.E.B. DuBois, James Weldon Johnson, Walter
White, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others who
labored for years to empower black Americans.
• The NAACP and other organizations have fought to empower black Americans. Don't disappoint them by not voting on November 8.
• Disappointment with policies of the past eight years on human and civil rights should make
blacks, more than any other group, want to insure major changes. Vote, Be Heard.
• We have a convenant with history to use the right to vote which was won with the blood, Sweat
and tears of so many.
• If you do not bother to vote, you are a burden too heavy for your brother to carry.
• Many of you supported the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his bid for the Presidency and were
disappointed when he lost the Democratic nomination and was subsequently passed over for the
Vice Presidential selection of the Democratic Party. Your hurt and anger are understandable, but
despite the fact that Rev. Jackson is no longer in the race, you must vote. Rev. Jackson himself wouid
not want it any other way, and he is admonishing his supporters to vote in massive numbers.
• The essence of democracy is the right to vote. Through voting, we are empowered to choose our
leaders, our laws, and our way of life. Yet, far too many Americans do not seem to fully understand or
believe their potential to make a significant contribution to their country's political life. Don't let your
voice go unheard on Election Day. Vote-Be-Heard!
• It was not until black Americans, including NAACP leaders had lost their jobs and property,
were intimidated, arrested, beaten and, yes, murdered for insisting on the "Right to Vote," that it v/as
granted throughout the nation.
• The Election on November 8, 1988 is a "must" for all American voters but especialy for black
Americans. This is the time for black Americans to "put-up" or "shut-up." America is our country, too.
We have a duty to vote for candidates of our choice. When we enter the voting booth we must
remember the past, present and future and use good judgment when pulling the lever to mark our
ballots.
• Come down out off the bleachers, get off the sidelines, and get into the fight. We still have a long,
long way to go before liberty and justice will be in the reach of every American. This is a good fight
and we must win. It can only be done by your participation.
• Join the NAACP. No matter what your status, position, your class, your station in life may be,
you are not insulated against racism, you cannot escape. Because Rev. Jesse Jackson's name will
net be on the ballot is no sensible reason not to vote on November 8th. There are a number of very
important issues facing us that will and must be addressed — Appointments of new members of the
Supreme Court is one for an example.
• You are a leader in your area and unless we can have the support of persons like you, nothing
will be changed —nothing wil be done. We urge you to please start today — NOW! We have always
been able to count on you in times past. Please don't fail us now.
In order to bring about these changes, all of our citizens and organizations must all work. We seek
your help.
Make speeches in churches, clubs and other organizations, urging members to join in our effort to
turn out the vote on November 8.
lover)

J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

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J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

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These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study. The digital reproductions have been made available through an evaluation of public domain status, permissions from the rights' holders, and authorization under the law including fair use as codified in 17 U.S.C. section 107. Although these materials are publicly accessible for these limited purposes, they may not all be in the public domain. Users are responsible for determining if permission for re-use is necessary and for obtaining such permission. Individuals who have concerns about online access to specific content should contact J. Murrey Atkins Library.

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J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

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Digitization made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR NAACP OFFICIALS, MINISTERS AND OTHER
COMMUNITY LEADERS ENCOURAGING BLACK VOTER TURNOUT
On November 8, citizens of the United States who are of voting age will exercise the strongest right
that they have — the right to vote. The black vote can make the difference in choosing public officials
in your city, county, state and at the national level who will be elected on Election Day.
Below are a few suggested talking points that NAACP officials, ministers and other community
leaders may consider in encouraging voter turnout among their congregation and constituency.
• If you are concerned about unemployment, minimum wage iaws, escalating health care ccst,
teenage pregnancy, child care laws, quality education, affordable housing, alcohol and drug abuse,
crime, and deteriorating family life and vaiues — then Vote, Be Heard on Election Day and cast your
ballot for the candidate you think is best concerned about your concerns.
• Not to vote would be an insult to the memory of W.E.B. DuBois, James Weldon Johnson, Walter
White, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others who
labored for years to empower black Americans.
• The NAACP and other organizations have fought to empower black Americans. Don't disappoint them by not voting on November 8.
• Disappointment with policies of the past eight years on human and civil rights should make
blacks, more than any other group, want to insure major changes. Vote, Be Heard.
• We have a convenant with history to use the right to vote which was won with the blood, Sweat
and tears of so many.
• If you do not bother to vote, you are a burden too heavy for your brother to carry.
• Many of you supported the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his bid for the Presidency and were
disappointed when he lost the Democratic nomination and was subsequently passed over for the
Vice Presidential selection of the Democratic Party. Your hurt and anger are understandable, but
despite the fact that Rev. Jackson is no longer in the race, you must vote. Rev. Jackson himself wouid
not want it any other way, and he is admonishing his supporters to vote in massive numbers.
• The essence of democracy is the right to vote. Through voting, we are empowered to choose our
leaders, our laws, and our way of life. Yet, far too many Americans do not seem to fully understand or
believe their potential to make a significant contribution to their country's political life. Don't let your
voice go unheard on Election Day. Vote-Be-Heard!
• It was not until black Americans, including NAACP leaders had lost their jobs and property,
were intimidated, arrested, beaten and, yes, murdered for insisting on the "Right to Vote," that it v/as
granted throughout the nation.
• The Election on November 8, 1988 is a "must" for all American voters but especialy for black
Americans. This is the time for black Americans to "put-up" or "shut-up." America is our country, too.
We have a duty to vote for candidates of our choice. When we enter the voting booth we must
remember the past, present and future and use good judgment when pulling the lever to mark our
ballots.
• Come down out off the bleachers, get off the sidelines, and get into the fight. We still have a long,
long way to go before liberty and justice will be in the reach of every American. This is a good fight
and we must win. It can only be done by your participation.
• Join the NAACP. No matter what your status, position, your class, your station in life may be,
you are not insulated against racism, you cannot escape. Because Rev. Jesse Jackson's name will
net be on the ballot is no sensible reason not to vote on November 8th. There are a number of very
important issues facing us that will and must be addressed — Appointments of new members of the
Supreme Court is one for an example.
• You are a leader in your area and unless we can have the support of persons like you, nothing
will be changed —nothing wil be done. We urge you to please start today — NOW! We have always
been able to count on you in times past. Please don't fail us now.
In order to bring about these changes, all of our citizens and organizations must all work. We seek
your help.
Make speeches in churches, clubs and other organizations, urging members to join in our effort to
turn out the vote on November 8.
lover)